FACEMASKS are now optional in the majority of transport settings, after several operators made changes to their Covid policies.
From Monday (28 March), passengers on Condor Ferries will no longer be obliged to wear masks, with the company’s approach switching to a recommendation.
Easyjet’s policy has also changed for the majority of flights, although services between Jersey and Glasgow will retain mask-wearing as a condition of carriage as a result of the higher level of restrictions in Scotland.
Passengers arriving at Jersey Airport or Elizabeth Harbour are no longer required to wear a mask, however staff will continue to do so.
A spokesperson for Ports of Jersey said: ‘Due to the continued presence of the virus and the risk associated with staff illness or absence due to isolation, all customer-facing teams working in our terminals, including check-in agents, security and passenger services, as well as on-site business partners will still continue to wear face coverings until further notice.’
British Airways recently changed its facemask policy for the majority of flights, including those between London Heathrow and Jersey. However, passengers connecting to certain destinations, including the USA, will still have to put on a mask before getting on board.
Bus passengers in Jersey can also make their own choice regarding masks. LibertyBus director Kevin Hart said: ‘We are still encouraging Islanders to wear masks, and leaving our signage in place on buses, but we aren’t enforcing this any longer.’
Operators still retaining the obligation to wear facemasks as a condition of carriage include Blue Islands, which provides links between Jersey and Southampton, Exeter, East Midlands, Birmingham and Bristol, and Fly Direct, which operates a weekly charter service to Tenerife.
The Ports of Jersey spokesperson recommended that all passengers check the latest position regarding their airline and destination before travelling.
